The U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (TTAB) serves as a crucial link between the private sector and the U.S. Department of Commerce. In 2019, this board was actively advising the Secretary of Commerce on policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing the U.S. travel and tourism industry. A key function of the board is to provide recommendations that directly address industry challenges and opportunities, ensuring that the U.S. remains a premier global travel destination.
The minutes from a public meeting held on Thursday, August 22, 2019, offer a glimpse into the board’s activities and priorities during that year. This particular meeting, as detailed in a notice issued by the International Trade Administration, focused on a significant topic: the potential benefits of the United States joining the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Deliberations on UNWTO Membership
The central agenda item for the August 2019 TTAB meeting was to explore how U.S. membership in the UNWTO could serve to advance American travel and tourism interests. Board members convened to consider the strategic advantages and disadvantages of such an alliance, and to formulate recommendations for the Secretary of Commerce.
This discussion was particularly relevant as the UNWTO plays a pivotal role in global tourism governance, standardization, and promotion. Membership could potentially offer the U.S. a stronger voice in international tourism policy, provide access to valuable global data and best practices, and enhance collaboration with other leading tourism destinations. Conversely, the board would have also considered potential challenges and whether the benefits outweighed the commitments involved.
The notice for the meeting explicitly stated that the purpose was for Board members to “consider recommendations on how the U.S. Government may, through potential membership in the United Nations World Tourism Organization, advance U.S. travel and tourism interests.” This singular focus indicates the importance of international cooperation and strategic global positioning for the U.S. travel industry in 2019.
Public Participation and Transparency
Reflecting the importance of stakeholder engagement, the 2019 TTAB meeting was open to the public. The Department of Commerce actively encouraged public participation, allowing time for oral comments and accepting written submissions both before and after the meeting. This commitment to transparency and public input is a hallmark of the TTAB’s operations, ensuring that a wide range of perspectives inform their advisory role.
The meeting notice outlined clear procedures for public registration, comment submission, and even the possibility of a lottery system to manage speaking slots if demand exceeded the available time. Deadlines were clearly communicated to ensure timely participation. This level of detail in the announcement underscores the value placed on incorporating public and industry feedback into the board’s deliberations.
Accessing Further Information
For those seeking more detailed information about the 2019 U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board meeting, or the board’s broader activities, the original notice provides several points of contact. Brian Beall, identified as the contact person, could be reached by phone or email. The notice also mentioned that meeting minutes would be made available within 90 days, further enhancing transparency and providing a record of the board’s discussions and recommendations.
Additionally, the Department of Commerce website, specifically the trade.gov/ttab URL mentioned in the notice, would have served as a central repository for information related to the TTAB, including agendas, meeting schedules, and potentially member details. Although the original document does not list the specific members of the 2019 board, such information would likely be available through official Department of Commerce resources and archives for those conducting deeper research.
Conclusion
The 2019 meeting of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board highlights the proactive approach taken to address critical issues facing the travel industry. The focus on potential UNWTO membership demonstrates a forward-thinking perspective on international collaboration and the strategic importance of global partnerships for U.S. tourism. While the original notice serves as a formal announcement of a single meeting, it provides a valuable starting point for understanding the advisory board’s role and the key considerations for the U.S. travel and tourism sector in 2019. For anyone interested in the intersection of government policy and the travel industry, exploring the activities of the 2019 U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board offers insightful context.
